May 1, 2008

Hundreds of walkers and runners will gather Saturday, May 3, on Brownbranch Hill near Bradleyville, for the 13th annual Scholarship Walk/Run, featuring a one-mile walk and 5k walk/run. Male and female winners of the 5k will win $500 each with $250 and $125 going to second and third place winners. Runners 40 and over will win $250 for first, $125 for second, and $65 for third place finish. Bradleyville's graduating seniors receive from this program a $1,000 scholarship for each year he or she remains in college or an accredited trade school. Superintendent Joe Combs says the program has been a tremendous boon for Bradleyville kids, helping to boost the rate of graduates continuing on to college by at least 100 percent. The scholarship walk/run has raised and awarded to students more than $200,000 during its 12-year history. Every penny raised from the event goes into the Bradleyville School Foundation for scholarships. All cash prizes are paid from a separate pool of funds donated by individuals. Ky3's Ned Reynolds will appear again as master of ceremonies and will award the cash prizes and about 100 other trophies and ribbons to winners in all classes and ages. Branson entertainers, the Lennon Brothers and Gail, will kick off the event by singing the National Anthem. A festive atmosphere always prevails as runners and walkers from all over the Midwest converge on the banks of beautiful Beaver Creek for this annual event. The walk/run begins and ends at the Southern Construction headquarters on the hill above the Brownbranch Canoe Rental. The school serves free hot dogs, soda, and bottled water. Many of the students who have benefited from the program will participate and help with the event. School officials urge everyone to come and enjoy this fun event, even if you don't wish to participate. Dot and Leon Combs invite everyone to their home on Bugle Mountain after the event for dessert, coffee, and soft drinks. The event starts at 9 a.m., but walkers and runners should be there by 8:30 to sign up and get their commemorative t-shirt. Registration fee is $5 for students K-12, or $10 in pledges. Adult fees are $12. Call Bradleyville School at 417-796-2288 for information.